Hope and love are two things the Hope Community of Shalom, 2005 Ave. T, is not short on.

Chaplain Debby Roddy relayed how she was unsure if poverty ministry was for her or not seven years ago. But as it turns out, it is what she loves.

“There’s a lot of love that goes on here,” Roddy said before Saturday’s benefit.

The group was trying to raise money for its organization, which provides mentoring services, food, clothing and ministry to needy people in the community, Roddy explained.

The benefit included a silent auction, desserts from the Slaton Bakery and music for about 100 people who attended.

Shalom provides a food and clothing pantry, along with educational and ministry services to at risk people.

Shalom CEO Steve Rogers said Asbury United Methodist Church gave the building to Hope Shalom after their congregation numbers dwindled. The church still has the ability to use the building for worship services, Rogers said.

“We saw a need to reach out into the community,” he said.

When the group started about 10 years ago they walked the neighborhood and asked people what services they felt were needed, explained president Maggie Rogers. She said this is something they plan to do again soon.

One of the requested services was an after school program for grade school kids, Maggie Rogers said. Dupre Elementary School is right across the street from the church.

“We asked them and they said we want something better for our children,” she said.

Approximately 40 kids participate in the Shalom Readers program, Roddy said. Volunteers come from various places in the community including college students needing class credits, she said.

Roddy said many of these students decide to continue their volunteer work even after their obligation is over.

Maggie Rogers said children in the Shalom Readers program are given an after school snack, help with homework, non-denominational church teachings and dinner.

She said many children in the group come from poor socioeconomic backgrounds and they haven’t learned a lot of basics skills.

A lot of the children in the group aren’t used to eating with silverware or at a table because they don’t have one, she said. These are skills volunteers teach kids in the program.

“We want them to fit into our world, but they just don’t know how,” Maggie Rogers said.

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To donate

 If you would like to make a donation of food, clothing or school supplies contact Steve Rogers at (806) 762-0829.